Doctors back prescribing rights for nurses

Doctors are giving cautious support to new regulations allowing nurses to prescribe medicines.

Under the prescribing rights approved by cabinet yesterday, nurse practitioners, who have met rigorous requirements set by the Nursing Council, will have the right to prescribe a range of prescription medicines and controlled substances.

Previously, only nurse practitioners in aged care and child family health had prescribing rights, and those were limited.

The Medical Association, which had formerly been very outspoken against the proposal, says its earlier concerns have been allayed.

Medical Association chairman Peter Foley said doctors had been previously concerned about the broadness of the scope of practice in which nurses might be able to prescribe, and the range of medications.

"Now it looks as though they have taken on board our concerns," he told National Radio this morning.

"Especially in rural New Zealand where we have a shortage of health providers, the expansion of the nursing role is going to be a very positive thing for the patients in that area -- as long as the nurses and doctors in that area work together to provide good care."

While the area of primary care itself would have been "too broad" to allow nurses to work independently, Dr Foley said nurse practitioners working in specialities, such as diabetes care and respiratory medicine, would make a valuable contribution.

Nurse training organisations also welcomed the changes, saying it would make nursing a more attractive career.

In announcing the prescribing rights yesterday, Health Minister Annette King said nurse practitioners were "an invaluable resource".

"To be able to extend their role even further will be a huge benefit to all New Zealanders."

- NZPA